By Lou Bacchiocchi, Land Stewardship Director

2020 has become almost a cliche for all things bad. Looking back on the year on our preserves, we were certainly presented with many challenges, but it was a very positive year as well. Hiking and visiting open spaces were very popular covid-19 activities and our preserves received unprecedented numbers of visitors this year.  A common theme was how grateful our supporters were that ALT preserves remained open and accessible throughout the pandemic. While many of our organized group events were cancelled or postponed such as blueberry pruning and invasive plant workshops, we still  had three Eagle Scouts complete their project work in Trout Brook Valley rerouting an eroded trail, replacing a footbridge and repairing damaged fencing and a gate in the orchard. Our tree crews continue to fell dead ash trees along the trails, and storm Isaias wreaked havoc throughout the area and kept us busy for weeks. A group of Westport SLOBS (Service League of Boys) from Staples High School proudly announced their arrival at our Schine preserve with a "Hi, we're slobs and we are here to help", referring to a refurbishment of the natural playground there. 

 ALT was proud to host the backyard beekeepers at our Randall's Farm preserve where a research project into genetically disease resistant queen bees.  Demonstration gardens at Haskins, Southport Beach, Wildflower preserve, Allen, Wakeman and others in the works are aimed at showing the alternatives to conventional lawns and mowing regimens.

Looking forward to 2021, I am hoping that we will be able to reengage with our many volunteers and continue to offer safe outdoor experiences for our many supporters.

Lou Bacchiochi 

Land Stewardship Director